City approves five-year lease for BMX track

First State BMX now has a five-year lease with the City of Milford (Photo courtesy of First State BMX)

At a recent meeting, Milford City Council approved a five-year lease for the First State BMX track, located behind Milford High School. Although the track had been issued a five-year lease in the past, over the last few years, the lease had been year-to year. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Senator Dave Lawson asked council to consider extending the lease back to five years.

“I’ve been involved there since; well it’s been 10 or 12 years now. My son’s been riding out there and he’s 22, he still rides. They have classes from three years old clear up to 70, so if you have a desire to race on a two wheel bicycle, not motor, come out there,” Lawson said. “It is right behind the high school behind the tennis courts. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Delaware. Again, if you haven’t been there, you need to go.”

Lawson explained that when larger races are held at the track, more than 3,000 people come to the community, making the track and economic driver, not only for Milford, but also for Kent and Sussex Counties. Lisa Parsons also spoke in favor of the park.

“My daughter, who’s 20, actually rides at the BMX track also. It provides stable athlete participation. It provides a family atmosphere. It also provides good sports,” Parsons said “It is a great atmosphere for the kids. It really does boost their confidence and their team spirit.”

BMX stands for bicycle motocross and is a cycle sport which grew in popularity in the early 1970s. Children began emulating motocross stars of the time, racing on dirt tracks. First State BMX has one of the longest dirt tracks sanctioned by USABMX at just under a quarter mile. The soil of the track is clay, sand and topsoil topped with a glue mixture to keep it in riding shape.

In addition to the track, the area has picnic tables, bleachers and portable restrooms. There is also the Bent Rim Café where food and drinks can be ordered. During multipoint races, the group offers on-site parking with reservations. First State BMX also holds benefit races. In 2023, the organization provided donations to the Mike Schwartz Benefit Race, Back the Blue, George Weinberg Benefit Race, #BellaBrave, Breast Cancer Awareness, Race for Life benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as a special race for The Bob Warnicke Memorial Scholarship Program. Each year they also hold a free race called National Registration Day.

Anyone who is new to BMX can receive a free first day to try out the sport which is featured in the Olympics. The organization has several multi-generational families who participate. New riders should arrive at the track by 6 PM and after the first ride, membership is $80 per year for the first family member, $70 for each additional member. Classes are offered based on age, gender, proficiency and wheel size.

Riders must have a long sleeved shirt, long pants, full face helmet and closed toe shoes. Any type of bike can be used but it cannot have reflectors, chain guards, kickstands or freestyle pegs. There is a Bike Shop that offers loaner bikes, helmets and some gear which are available for the first ride and for the first 14 days of membership. For more information, visit https://firststatebmx.com.

Council voted unanimously to approve the five-year lease for First State BMX.